food barrows are placed in all local banks, credit unions, Fred Meyer, Wauna Credit Union in Safeway, McDonalds, Rogue Ales, Aquatic Center, Charter Communications, Court House, Links, Video Horizons in Astoria and Warrenton for this year's Wishing Tree/Christmas Food Basket Program. Easom Property Management, Inc. and Windermere Pacific Land Company are teaming up with the Wishing Tree and Food Basket Program to provide warmth and holiday cheer to Clatsop County families in need this holiday season with a coat drive effort. With the increasing numbers of people going without, the need for donations is greater than ever. Sunset Empire Transportation District is running a special promotion this month to help fill those food baskets as well.

The Wishing Tree and Food Basket Program is a non-profit organization that relies on hard-working volunteers and donations from kind-hearted people like you. This long-running program has helped countless families over the past 30 years, not only providing them with food, but also personalized gifts for kids, warm clothing items, and a reason to smile. Hundreds of individuals and families have asked to receive assistance this season. Time is short to contribute to the program with the gifts and food are either picked up by family at the fairgrounds on December 17th or are delivered by the National Guard and Astoria Rotary Club on December 18th to those in Knappa and Astoria who don't have transportation. Easom Property Management, Inc. & Windermere Pacific Land Company, is providing their office as a drop-off site for this years drive. They are collecting new & gently used coats, hats, scarves, blankets and gloves.

Office hours are Monday - Friday, 9am – 5pm, and donations can be dropped off now through Thursday, December 13th. Both offices are located in the 14th Street Pilot Station Building on the trolley line between Baked Alaska and Wheelhouse Coffee. To help raise food donations Sunset Empire Transportation District's Annual "FOOD IS THE TICKET" Holiday Food Drive is underway and continues through December 24th. Riders may bring a food item and use it as a ticket for one ride on any SETD bus or just make donations of food on any SETD bus Monday through Sunday between 7AM and 7PM depending on route times. Food donations may also be brought to the Transit Center in Astoria between 7 AM and 6 PM Monday thru Fri. Only canned, boxed or food in plastic containers are accepted. Foods that will not be accepted are those which are perishable, expired, wrapped in cellophane, in glass containers or any government issued foods.

It takes many volunteers to get all these items collected, boxed, wrapped and delivered. If you can help call Barb Roberts at 503-325-7277